"Your Success is Our Success" was a Big Success!

At our last general meeting on June 19th at the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park, Kathleen Mitchel put together an amazing panel discussion titled "Your Success is Our Success".  The intent of this presentation was to help us grow and thrive as artists.  The panel consisted of Dana Springs and Vicki Reed from the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, April Game from SDFAS/Art Pulse and Sarah Trujillo from Quint Contemporary Art. Kathleen began the discussion with some prepared questions for the panel such as  advice for artists  approaching art professionals such as themselves, and what they look for when reviewing work. After the initial "ice breaker" questions were discussed, the floor was open to the members to ask the panel questions, which they did most enthusiastically.

I realize that for some, this may have felt a little out of their league. I fully appreciate that this wonderful community of glass artists which make up the AGA is very diverse in talent, technique, direction and intent of our work. I imagine that some at this meeting were thinking , "This isn't for me." Especially after experiencing some of the strong, upfront dialogue and advice which a few in the panel had to give. Others found the panel to be interesting and the overall meeting to be what was needed. This is probably most evident by the fact that no less than a dozen people have approached April Game with questions about her mentor program starting this fall. The beauty of our association is that it can and does try to meet the interest and needs of the group as a whole. If you were one of those who found the discussions of the panel not necessarily something which you would want to pursue or pertains to you, then that is a good thing. You know that probably dealing with public art directors and art dealers is not a direction for you. The fact is, it's not for everybody. For others, it was a great opportunity to meet some of the people in San Diego that are a part of a bigger art scene than the regular venue of local galleries and shows.

Over all, I found the meeting to be one of the most important events that the AGA has had since I've been a member. Not only did we all learn a lot, but having the esteemed panel take the time to discuss these issues with us and the patience to answer ALL of our questions, was a valuable experience for all of us as we pursue our goals to become more successful artists.

Thank you Kathleen for a job well done. Thank you San Diego Art Institute for hosting this event. And thank you to the esteemed panel, Dana Springs, Vicki Reed, April Game and Sarah Trujillo. Your generosity of time and information is truly appreciated.